Anne Harrington: I've tried to analyze several times the difference between scientists in the nuclear sphere and scientists in the biological sphere, because they both are capable of science that can cause huge harm. But it's... to me somewhat interesting that on the nuclear side, you work on the physics, you work on the chemistry, you develop the weapon, you design this very complicated system of electronics and physics and you put it in a case, and then you hand it off to somebody else. Then it's the Ministry of Defense's job to deliver it, wherever it may go.
I think the relationship between the biologist and their discipline is fundamentally different. It's very interesting to talk about... to biologists who will speak of "their pathogen." There's a personal relationship. If you're in a BSL4 [Biological Safety Level 4, requiring a space-suit type of protection] facility, you actually aren't alone: you're there, and your pathogen is there, you know. And there's a relationship... there is a psychological relationship that is developed at that level. You begin to learn everything... it becomes almost like your best friend. And so the... damage, the harm that that best friend of yours can inflict, I think, becomes clouded over time.